Should I "clip" new frags?

[JaneG]

Hello everyone! :wave: I have a (most likely stupid) question about SPS frags. The LFS I buy from sells large browned out pieces for $10. However, some of them have tissue loss at the bottom (having just a calcium skeleton and a clear cut where the frag is... for some reason, whenever I visit, it doesn't get worse). If/when I buy these, should I clip off the dead parts before adding to my tank? Thanks!

 

[JT3069]

i am a hunter for browned frags
i love getting a deal
if you can keep you tank stable, then you should have no problem with them
stning

just keep a close eye on them and acclimate really slow using the drip method
it has always worked for me

 

[tankaddict]

I believe if you clip them from the dead base it would encourage them to grow out and spread faster. You don't want the dead base because it can be STN at a very slow rate.

 

[29reef]

If the coral has good PE and has been treated for pests I like to mount them flat and cut all growth ends including the old base. It takes a little longer sometimes for them to turn into a colony, but I've had good success with this method.

 

[njreefermadness]

Just make sure the dead areas are not from any pest activity. I wold put them on a rack for awhile and see if the bare portion starts to spread up the frag. If you notice that the bare patch is getting worse, I would clip it and remount them. Then keep a close eye on them before permanently situating them in the tank.

Herb

 

[Algaeking]

I agree , it's better to clip and remount so you can get a new healthy encrusting base

 

[d0ughb0y]

better clip them.
best to quarantine them as well.

if you do a search here, you will find a few threads from brown frag bargain hunters whose tank got completely wiped out becuase it turned out the brown frag had pests.